Gather around. Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan is leading his audience to therapy or a walk in the woods. His fourth studio album, “The Great Divide,” released recently, continues the journey begun with his previous work, “Stick Season.” This new album is characterized by folksy introspective hooks and catchy choruses that evoke the feeling of a windows-down drive on a cool summer night.
“The Great Divide” was primarily recorded in Nashville and upstate New York, produced by Gabe Simon in collaboration with Aaron Dessner. This 17-track album serves as a deeper exploration of familiar themes such as family trauma, sobriety, and the concept of home. While it retains a sonic resemblance to its predecessor, Kahan pushes himself to explore perspectives beyond his own, engaging the audience in a reflective dialogue about experiences that might be different from his own narrative.
Kahan faced considerable pressure to follow up the successful “Stick Season,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. He addressed this struggle in his new Netflix documentary “Noah Kahan: Out of Body,” which was released just prior to the album. The result is “The Great Divide” — a project that, while not a radical shift from his 2022 album, offers a satisfying listening experience for fans. Those seeking a complete stylistic overhaul may need to look elsewhere, as Kahan’s sound remains largely intact, although some tracks introduce new elements such as a noticeable addition of piano and rock-pop influences, particularly in the song “American Cars,” blending sounds reminiscent of Taylor Swift's “Love Story” with Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.”
The second track, “Doors,” showcases the best of Kahan’s artistry with blistering guitar work, profound lyrics, and heavy subject matter. Lines like “Have you ever stared directly at the sun? / Have you ever shared some closeness, so exposed, to have it spit back by someone?” exemplify his lyrical depth. The title track and lead single, “The Great Divide,” delves into themes of humanity, inviting listeners to confront dark experiences, including references to haunting spirits and illness, framing them as part of the human condition rather than the only points of fear. Kahan poignantly sings, “I hope you’re scared of only ordinary s–t / Like murderers and ghosts and cancer on your skin / And not your soul, and what he might do with it.”
One of the standout moments in the album is found in the pre-chorus of “The Great Divide,” where rhythmic guitar chord changes enhance the song's emotional intensity. The quick strumming creates an immersive build-up, with Kahan’s vocals expressing, “You know I think about you all the time, / And my deep misunderstanding of your life.”
While it may be impossible to recreate the magic of “Stick Season,” “The Great Divide” does not aim to repeat the past. Instead, it proceeds as a kindred spirit to its predecessor, embodying the idea that although seasons change, they inevitably return.
In summary, “The Great Divide” by Noah Kahan garners four out of five stars. Key tracks recommended for repeat listening include “Doors,” “Paid Time Off,” and the title track, “The Great Divide.” However, fans might consider skipping “We Go Way Back.” For those who enjoy the music of The Lumineers, Taylor Swift’s pandemic albums, and Jason Isbell, this album will resonate deeply.
